Many modern hikers are trading in their traditional mid-cut leather hiking boots for lightweight, low-cut hiking shoes. This may not be appropriate for extreme terrain or heavy pack weights, but backpacking and hiking in light hiking shoes can be much more comfortable than wearing heavy boots! Experienced hikers claim that every pound on your feet equals five pounds in your pack, so keeping your footwear light will help you feel better after a long day on the trail.
In addition to being more comfortable and breathable, in many cases, than hiking boots, hiking shoes usually don't require a "break-in period" like leather boots always did, and are less blister-prone. If you need the extra ankle support or stability, however, don't be shy about using a full hiking boot instead of a hiking shoe.
Hiking shoes (or "multi-sport shoes") are sometimes mistakenly thought of as being "just for day hikes," but many ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers use them exclusively. In fact, hiking shoes usually have most of the same features as clunkier boots, like Gore-Tex waterproof linings and high-traction Vibram soles... and they definitely have a more feminine look.
There are quite a few brands available, including Keen, Merrell, The North Face, Vasque, Asolo, Five Ten, Salomon, and more. When selecting the right pair of hiking shoes for you, fit is a primary concern. At Rock/Creek, our employees are shoe-fitting experts, and we love helping our customers find the right pair of hiking shoes... and then hearing about their adventures afterward!

Category Review

Women's Hiking Shoes

The products in the Women's Hiking Shoes category have an average rating of 4.4 of 5 from 25 customer reviews.